EDHS student prepares for Air Force Academy

East Davidson High School senior Amelia Roddenberry always had a passion for American heritage. She will soon learn more at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

BY DENEESHA EDWARDSThe Dispatch

THOMASVILLE | East Davidson High School senior Amelia Roddenberry always had a passion for American heritage.She's hoping to learn a lot about the history of the country by being appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy. The mission of the school is to educate, train and inspire men and women to become officers of character, motivated to lead the Air Force in service to the nation."I was excited, humbled and proud at the same time," Roddenberry, 18, said.Roddenberry had also been accepted to the Coast Guard Academy, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Hillsdale College in Michigan. She wanted to attend the Air Force Academy because she felt the values aligned with her own. Roddenberry's nominating letter came from U.S. Rep Mel Watt, D-12th, based off of interview questions and academics. She said being accepted to the academy was based on academic achievement, community service, demonstrated leadership and character. She visited the school in Colorado Springs this past summer for a seminar that gave her insight into being a cadet and what the school had to offer. She fell in love with the area due to her love of the mountains. She's leaning toward studying engineering. She's looking forward to flying as well."I just knew it was where I wanted to be," she said. "I'm very grateful. I hope I can fulfill my position well."Roddenberry is the daughter of Myron and Marsha Roddenberry. She has a younger brother, Landon, 16, who is a sophomore at EDHS. She noted her brother has some interest in the academy, too.During her time at EDHS, Roddenberry has been part of Future Business Leaders of America, the Beta Club, Student Leadership team, the track team, marching band and concert band. She even started a student mentor program where high schoolers go to E. Lawson Middle School to mentor and tutor students. She is also a cadet with the Civil Air Patrol in Winston-Salem, which is an auxiliary of the Air Force."I'm ready to graduate," Roddenberry said. "I have had wonderful years of many experiences that have taught me a lot. The teachers are wonderful. They really took the time to invest."Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at deneesha.edwards@the-dispatch.com.